BY AINI SELIKANG
SARIKEI: The downtown carnival in Kampung Seberang Sarikei organised by the central hawker committee received an extraordinary response when more than 5,000 visitors thronged the site.
Its chairman, Allif Omar Yunus, said that the unexpected celebration was a great relief to traders who were previously affected by the unpredictable weather conditions.
He said visitors are not only residents of Sarikei but also from Sibu, Bintulu, Kuching and Miri.
“The presence of many visitors during the 25-day carnival indirectly increased the income of small traders at this site.
“In that regard, I would like to thank everyone for their support,” he said when contacted by Suara Sarawak.
Allif said that his committee was actively planning to increase the vibrancy of the business site in tandem with the increasing public response.
Downtown Sarikei, which first opened to the public since last year, has received an overwhelming response from the residents of this division.
The market, which is located in an open area near the Kampung Seberang Integration Complex, has as many as 100 stalls and is open from Thursday to Saturday to the public from 4 pm to 11 pm.
The proactive move not only enhances Sarikei’s attraction but also makes it one of the new attractions for visitors to the area.
Allif added that the effort to establish the night market was aimed at ensuring that small traders in the district had a platform to generate additional income.
The existence of the downtown also proves that the government is committed to implementing various efforts to ensure that the small traders of this district get the opportunity to earn income, thus enhancing the economy.
In the meantime, the people have the opportunity to buy a variety of products including food and drinks, clothes, confectionery, cosmetics and more.